Recitative in opera wouldn't be really considered singing, would it? (/?r?s?t?'ti?v/, also known by its Italian name "recitativo" ([ret?ita'ti?vo])) is a style of delivery (much used in operas, oratorios, and cantatas) in which a singer is allowed to adopt the rhythms and delivery of ordinary speech. (follow the link to see the proununciation)